3 Necessary Mental Skills to Teach Your Young Athlete

The best athletes don’t just train their bodies; they train their minds. The greatest coaches know how important it is not only to prepare their athletes physically but also to mentally prepare them. But mental skills like positive self-talk, effort-based focus, and handling pre-game nerves aren’t just for elite competitors—they’re just as important for young athletes to learn as they play and develop in sports!

As a parent, you have the power to introduce these mental skills in ways that make a lasting impact. Here are a few mental skills and how you can teach them to your athletes this season!  

1. Positive Self-Talk

The way young athletes talk to themselves—internally and out loud—affects their confidence, performance, and resilience. Negative self-talk like “I’m terrible at this,” or “I can’t do it,” can quickly spiral into frustration and doubt. Instead, teach them to replace those thoughts with constructive, positive self-talk.

4 Tips to Implement Positive Self-Talk This Season:

• • • Model It – Use positive self-talk yourself! When giving feedback, say things like, “That was a great effort! Let’s try again and see what happens.”
    • Create Team Phrases – Have athletes come up with short, positive mantras they can say before or during games, like “I am strong” or “I keep going.”
    • Challenge Negative Talk – When you hear athletes saying, “I can’t do this,” guide them toward a growth mindset: “You can’t do it YET. Let’s break it down and keep working at it.”
    • Use Role Models – Point out and provide examples of professional athletes using positive self-talk in interviews and games.

2. Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes

Young athletes often judge success based on wins, stats, or external praise. While striving for success is great, an overemphasis on outcomes can create pressure and fear of failure. Instead, shift their focus to effort, progress, and learning.

4 Ways to Switch the Focus to Progress Over Outcomes:

• • • Praise the Process – Instead of saying, “Great job scoring that goal!” say, “I love how you stayed focused and hustled to make that goal happen.”
    • Effort-Based Goals – Set goals that focus on controllable actions, like “Take 10 quality shots on goal today” instead of “Score two goals.”
    • Highlight Small Wins – Recognize improvements in skills, teamwork, and attitude, not just game results. “Great job keeping your head up and staying positive today champ, it was a tough game!”
    • Reflection Time – After games, calmly discuss what your athlete thinks went well and what he/she can improve on, without making it all about the score.

3. Help Athletes Handle Pre-Game Nerves

It’s normal for young athletes to feel nervous before games. Instead of trying to eliminate nerves, help normalize their nerves and transfer that energy into positivity.

Tips on How to Handle Pre-Game Nerves This Season:

• • • Normalize Nerves – Remind athletes that even pros get nervous. It means they care!
    • Teach Controlled Breathing – Before games, have your player or team practice slow, deep breaths to calm their minds and bodies. It doesn’t have to be a full meditation session, just a handful of deep breaths with a motivational pep talk can do wonders for their nerves.
    • Create Pre-Game Routines – Have a consistent warm-up routine that includes stretching and encouragement to build confidence before game time. Pros have pre-game rituals for a reason! It helps calm their nerves and focus their attention to the game ahead.

Mental skills are just like physical skills—they take time, repetition, and encouragement to develop. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or both, you’re equipping your kids with tools they can use on and off the field for years to come.

Remember to start small and be consistent. Then, watch your athlete grow—not just as a player, but as a confident, resilient individual.